Buying Bikes

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I am looking into buying a bike and I have a couple of questions.

1) Do you want to have a 3 speeds or 7 speeds?
2) Do you want to have hand brakes or peddle brakes?

Also,

Could you tell me some do's and dont's when buying a bike?

Any information is greatly appreciated!


ANSWER: I guess turn about is fair play so... what type of riding do you want to do? Where you live are there hills or is it mostly flat? I really need to know since the number of "speeds" is determined by the terrain that you ride. More gears means it is easier to keep a more even "cadence," or the number of pedal strokes per minute. It doesn't mean that the hills will be easier, but it might make them manageable.

Do's and Don'ts... I will lump this under one giant category - find a bike shop that you can work with. A good shop will not care if you are there to spend $200 on a bicycle or $2000. They should be asking you what type of riding you want to do; where do you want to ride; how often; how far; et cetera. They shouldn't be asking you how much you  want to spend, but they should be offering you a bike that meets your wants and needs.

I guess the biggest "don't" is don't limit yourself to a brand or a type of bike. Take a look around, see which matches your needs and then do some comparison shopping.

If I knew more about you, what type of riding, and where you want to ride I will be much more able to answer your first two questions!

I look forward to hearing more about you so I can better answer your questions!

Tad



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tad,

I just want to do pleasure riding such as riding up to the coffee shop or going on bike trails, etc.  The terrain is mostly flat but there are some hills.  

Answer
Molly,

Sorry it has taken so long I have been concentrating on a couple of events and not spending time on the computer.

Take a look at bikes that are called "semi-recumbents" or flat foot bikes. They allow you to get you feet on the ground when you stop and are great for the terrain that you described. I would also go for more "gears" as they make even moderate hills possible. You have to think of your body as a very low powered engine and you need to keep your legs turning at the same speed - in your "power band." The more gears you have the easier it is to stay in this power band.

If you have more questions or need further explanation please ask! After next weekend I will be slacking off on my training for a while which means more computer time... for a while.

Best,

Tad